[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2003)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 8713-8721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-4318]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Customs Service

19 CFR Parts 141 and 142

[T.D. 03-09]
RIN 1515-AC91


Single Entry for Split Shipments

AGENCY: Customs Service, Department of the Treasury.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: This document amends the Customs Regulations to allow an 
importer of record, under certain conditions, to submit a single entry 
to cover a single shipment which was split by the carrier into multiple 
portions which arrive in the United States separately. These amendments 
implement statutory changes made to the merchandise entry laws by the 
Tariff Suspension and Trade Act of 2000.

EFFECTIVE DATE: March 27, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For operational or policy matters: 
Robert Watt, Office of Field Operations, (202) 927-0279.
    For legal matters: Gina Grier, Office of Regulations and Rulings, 
(202) 572-8730.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

[[Page 8714]]

Background

    Section 1460 of Public Law 106-476, popularly known as the Tariff 
Suspension and Trade Act of 2000, amended section 484 of the Tariff Act 
of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484) by adding a new paragraph (j) in order to 
provide for the treatment of certain multiple shipments of merchandise 
as a single entry.
    The new paragraph (j) involves two scenarios. First, section 
1484(j)(1) addresses a problem long encountered by the importing 
community in entering merchandise whose size or nature necessitates 
that the merchandise be shipped in an unassembled or disassembled 
condition on more than one conveyance. Second, section 1484(j)(2) 
offers relief to importers whose shipments which they intended to be 
carried on a single conveyance are divided at the initiative of the 
carrier. As to both these matters, the legislation is silent as to the 
affected modes of transportation, thus indicating that the new law is 
to apply to merchandise shipped by air, land or sea.
    By a document published in the Federal Register (66 FR 57688) on 
November 16, 2001, Customs proposed regulations to implement 19 U.S.C. 
1484(j)(2) relating to shipments which are divided by carriers; these 
shipments are referred to as ``split shipments''. These final 
regulations today concern such split shipments.
    It is noted that by a separate document published in the Federal 
Register (67 FR 16664) on April 8, 2002, Customs proposed regulations 
to implement 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(1) concerning the entry of shipments of 
unassembled or disassembled entities that arrive on more than one 
conveyance. This latter proposed rule will be the subject of a final 
rule document that should be published in the Federal Register in the 
near future.

Split Shipment Defined

    Generally speaking, a split shipment consists of merchandise that 
is capable of being transported on a single conveyance, and that is 
delivered to and accepted by a carrier in the exporting country as one 
shipment under one bill of lading or waybill, and is thus intended by 
the importer to arrive as a single shipment. However, the shipment is 
thereafter divided by the carrier into different parts which arrive in 
the United States at different times, often days apart.
    In practice, shipments often become split after being delivered 
intact to a carrier. The movement of cargo as a split shipment on 
multiple conveyances appears to be a regular and routine industry 
practice when shipped by air. There are various reasons for a shipment 
to be split by a carrier, such as limited space, the need to balance 
weight distribution on a conveyance, and offloading for safety 
concerns.
    The Customs Regulations ordinarily require, with certain exceptions 
not here relevant, that all merchandise arriving on one conveyance and 
consigned to one consignee be included on one entry (see Sec.  141.51, 
Customs Regulations (19 CFR 141.51)). While today's final regulations 
permit the acceptance of a single entry in the case of such a split 
shipment, importers may, of course, continue to file a separate entry 
for each portion of a split shipment as it arrives, if they so choose.

Filing of Single Entry for Split Shipment Under Proposed Rule

    In principal part, the November 16, 2001, Federal Register document 
proposed to permit the filing of a single entry to cover a split 
shipment provided that: (1) The subject shipment was capable of being 
transported on a single conveyance, and was delivered to and accepted 
by a carrier in the exporting country under one bill of lading or 
waybill and was thus intended by the importer to be a single shipment; 
(2) the shipment was thereafter split or deconsolidated by the carrier, 
acting on its own; (3) the split-portions of the shipment remain 
consigned to the same party in the United States to whom they were 
destined in the original bill of lading or waybill; and (4) those 
portions of the split shipment that could be covered under the entry 
arrived directly from abroad at the same port of importation in the 
United States within 10 calendar days of the date of the portion that 
arrived first.
    Specifically, to implement 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2) under which an 
importer could make a single entry for a split shipment, it was 
proposed to add a new Sec.  141.57 to the Customs Regulations (19 CFR 
141.57), in addition to making certain amendments to Sec.  142.21 of 
the Customs Regulations (19 CFR 142.21). Also, a minor conforming 
change was to be made as well to Sec.  141.51 of the Customs 
Regulations (19 CFR 141.51).
    By a document published in the Federal Register (67 FR 3135) on 
January 23, 2002, the period of time within which public comments could 
be submitted in response to the proposed rule was re-opened until 
February 14, 2002.

Discussion of Comments

    A total of twenty-two commenters responded to the notice of 
proposed rulemaking. A description of the issues raised by these 
commenters, together with Customs response to these issues is set forth 
below.

General Comments on the Proposed Rule

    Comment: It is improper for Customs to propose regulations for 
split shipments and for unassembled and disassembled entities in two 
separate regulation packages.
    Customs Response: Although 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(1) and (j)(2) allow 
for the filing of a single entry for shipments which arrive at 
different times, sections 1484(j)(1) and 1484(j)(2) ultimately address 
two very different situations. As a result, and to minimize confusion 
between the two provisions, Customs decided to address each provision 
in separate rulemakings.
    Comment: The proposed regulations providing for a single entry for 
shipments split by the carrier do not reflect an agreement that Customs 
reached prior to the enactment of 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2) on the manner in 
which such split shipments would be regulated.
    Customs Response: The legislation supersedes any informal 
agreements that Customs and the trade may have made prior to its 
enactment. In the proposed rule, Customs endeavored to reflect the 
intent of Congress in enacting 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2). Customs thoroughly 
reviewed the comments that were received in response to the proposed 
rule and, in this final rule, has made a number of changes to the 
regulations as initially proposed for split shipments.
    Comment: The split shipment procedures followed by Customs at Los 
Angeles International Airport and at John F. Kennedy Airport in New 
York are preferable to those reflected in the proposed rule.
    Customs Response: Customs reviewed the split shipment procedures at 
these airports. In developing the proposed regulations, Customs 
included the most operationally feasible features of the procedures for 
handling split shipments at those locations.
    Comment: It was asked whether entries of split shipments may be 
processed through the Pre-Arrival Processing System (PAPS). The PAPS 
system allows electronic entries to be submitted prior to the time a 
truck arrives at the United States border.
    Customs Response: Customs plans to issue a Federal Register notice 
on PAPS shortly and will address this comment then.
    Comment: It is contended that, by allowing for a single entry for 
merchandise arriving on separate

[[Page 8715]]

conveyances at different times, 19 U.S.C. 1484(j) will enable the 
circumvention of laws restricting the importation of softwood lumber.
    Customs Response: Customs does not believe that 19 U.S.C. 
1484(j)(2) will have an adverse impact on United States lumber 
interests; section 1484(j)(2) merely allows an importer to file one 
entry to cover a single shipment which is split by the carrier and 
which arrives in the United States separately.
    Comment: The proposed rule will interfere with the Government's 
collection of waterborne commerce statistics, because the ability to 
match arriving commodities with the actual transporting vessel will be 
compromised. For this reason, it is recommended that vessel shipments 
be eliminated from the proposed rule.
    Customs Response: This comment appears to address the fact that 
statistical information is collected on the CF 7501 entry summary, 
which currently can accommodate data pertaining to only one conveyance. 
Customs will endeavor to design future information collection systems 
which capture more comprehensive data. As 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2) is 
silent as to the modes of transportation involved, Customs concluded 
that the legislation implicitly intended to include within its scope 
all modes of transportation. Thus, vessel shipments may not be excluded 
from the split shipment rulemaking. However, Customs anticipates that 
split shipments should occur infrequently in the vessel environment, 
because it is unlikely that oceangoing carriers, most of which have 
large cargo capacities, will need to split shipments due to space, 
weight or other logistical concerns.
    Comment: The proposed split shipments program may compromise the 
quality of statistics, particularly with respect to freight charges, 
which will be obtained from Customs Form (CF) 7501. As such, Customs 
should develop a means of collecting multiple carrier information under 
ACE (Automated Commercial Environment). Furthermore, in this same vein, 
it is remarked that numerous, albeit unidentified, issues relating to 
automation exist in connection with split shipments that warrant 
further discussion prior to implementation of final regulations 
concerning such shipments.
    Customs Response: Customs is aware of the concerns relating to the 
collection of statistics under the ACE and will address these issues in 
developing and refining the ACE system. In this regard, however, the 
collection of statistics under the ACE system as well as any issues 
related to automation fall outside the scope of this rulemaking.
    Comment: Customs should utilize a new type of entry for handling 
split shipments. It is recommended in this context that the importer 
enter the entire value of the shipment when the first portion arrives, 
and then flag the entry for reconciliation following the arrival of all 
portions of the shipment that are covered under the entry.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. The introduction of a new type 
of entry to handle split shipments is unnecessary for the successful 
implementation of the split shipment program. Resort to the 
reconciliation method for processing split shipments would defeat the 
purpose of the legislation, which is to allow the filing of a single 
entry for a shipment whose portions arrive separately. Under the 
suggested reconciliation approach, a minimum of two entries would have 
to be filed--a consumption entry and a reconciliation entry. Of course, 
importers who file single entries for shipments which have been split 
may flag those entries for reconciliation if the entries have 
unresolved issues of the kind which are entitled to be resolved under 
the established entry reconciliation program.
    Comment: Customs should adopt an alternative procedure under which 
it would grant blanket permission to importers to file the entry 
summary for an air split shipment in its entirety at the time of the 
arrival of the first portion; then allow incremental release for that 
portion and all portions that thereafter arrive; followed by the 
submission of a final accounting or report by the importer. Any total 
quantity variances would be reported through standard reconciliation 
procedures.
    Customs Response: Customs lacks the operational ability at the 
present time to implement the type of procedure described. Also, as 
indicated in the response to the previous comment, Customs disagrees 
with the general use of the reconciliation procedure as a method for 
processing split shipments.
    Comment: Customs should eliminate the three-year restriction on the 
reuse of air waybill numbers and should allow the unique identifier for 
the bill of lading to be composed of six elements rather than two. 
Also, Customs should allow the air waybill number to be used as the in-
bond control record for each arrival of a shipment.
    Customs Response: These suggestions are outside the scope of this 
rulemaking. However, it is noted that Customs in a recently published 
rulemaking amended its regulations to allow air waybill numbers to be 
reused after one year.
    Comment: It is asked whether Customs will post the release of each 
part of a split shipment in the Air Automated Manifest System (AMS).
    Customs Response: To enable Customs to post release information for 
each part of a split shipment, the entry filer will need to inform the 
appropriate Customs personnel where the entry is filed in order for 
such personnel to make the necessary corrections and manually enter the 
relevant information for each arrival in the Air AMS. Customs Office of 
Information and Technology (OIT) intends to implement programming 
changes so that release information may be posted in the AMS system 
automatically.
    Comment: A question is posed as to how split shipments would be 
processed if they require inspection by the U.S. Department of 
Agriculture (USDA).
    Customs Response: Split shipments requiring inspection by other 
Government agencies will be processed in the same manner as regular 
(non-split) shipments that require such inspection.
    Comment: The proposed split shipment regulations should provide for 
the amendment of certificates of origin that are used in preferential 
trade programs so as to eliminate the need to obtain revised 
certificates from the importer or producer covering each portion of a 
split shipment that arrives.
    Customs Response: Customs does not believe this is necessary. Most 
certificates of origin are blanket certificates, designed to cover 
merchandise appearing on many entries. When a certificate of origin 
covering a single entry pertains to merchandise in a shipment which is 
split, and separate entries covering different portions of the shipment 
are filed (either by choice or because a portion of the shipment 
arrives too late to be covered under the split-shipment entry), copies 
of the certificate may be made to apply to any additional entries.

General Rule--Amendment of Sec.  141.51

    Comment: Given that importers prefer filing a single entry when a 
split shipment occurs, Sec.  141.51 should be revised to treat separate 
entries in such circumstances as the exception rather than the rule.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. Allowing an importer to file 
one entry for shipments which arrive at different times is an exception 
to the longstanding general rule that all merchandise consigned to one 
consignee which arrives on one vessel,

[[Page 8716]]

aircraft or vehicle must be included in one entry. The exception carved 
out for split shipments is simply one of several exceptions to this 
general rule, and applies only to a limited number of entries. The 
general rule itself has not been changed as the result of the enactment 
of 19 U.S.C. 1484(j).

Definition of Split Shipment--Proposed Sec.  141.57(b)

    Comment: Customs should broaden the types of split shipments which 
are eligible for single entry treatment. It is advocated, for example, 
that the proposed rule cover shipments that are split at the port of 
arrival for transportation separately to the port where entry is to be 
made. It is stated that this situation can result when merchandise 
which arrives in the United States on a single conveyance is split at 
the port of arrival into separate portions because an insufficient 
number of vehicles are available at the time of arrival to 
simultaneously transport the entire shipment to the port where entry is 
made.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. The purpose of 19 U.S.C. 
1484(j)(2) is to furnish a mechanism by which one entry may be filed 
for a shipment that is split by the original carrier to which the 
shipment was delivered at the foreign port for transportation to the 
United States. To expand coverage under the law to shipments that are 
split after importation into the United States would exceed the purview 
of the statute.
    Comment: It is a distortion of the intent of the statute to define 
a split shipment as being a shipment which is delivered to and accepted 
by the carrier as a single shipment under one bill of lading. It is 
contended that the definition of a split shipment to this effect fails 
to take into account situations in which the importer delivers goods to 
the carrier as a single shipment, but the carrier then informs the 
importer that the shipment must be carried on several conveyances due 
to insufficient cargo space remaining on currently available ships. 
Under the proposed rule, such a shipment would not qualify as a split 
shipment because it would not have been accepted by the carrier as a 
single shipment.
    Customs Response: Customs does not believe that the definition of a 
split shipment under Sec.  141.57(b) distorts the intent of the 
statute. Rather, it is Customs' view that the purpose of 19 U.S.C. 
1484(j)(2) is to offer relief to importers whose shipments have been 
split by the carrier after the carrier has accepted the shipment with 
the importer's understanding that the shipment would be transported on 
a single conveyance. Under those circumstances, the importer would have 
a realistic expectation that the shipment would arrive at one time and 
that the importer would thus be able to file one entry. However, as 
described in the comment, the importer would already know prior to 
concluding shipping arrangements with the carrier that the shipment 
would be transported on different conveyances and would arrive in the 
United States at different times.
    Comment: The proposed requirement that all portions of a split 
shipment arrive within 10 calendar days of the date of arrival of the 
first portion does not square with modern shipping realities. The 10 
calendar day arrival time should be extended to 30 or 90 days, in order 
to more accurately reflect the Congressional intent that split 
shipments can occur over a period of time. In the alternative, if the 
portions of a split shipment are to be limited to arriving within 10 
calendar days of one another, Customs should change 10 calendar days to 
10 business days.
    Customs Response: Customs believes that the overwhelming majority 
of split shipment transactions which may occur may be easily 
accommodated within the 10 calendar day period as originally proposed. 
Furthermore, the use of a 10 calendar day arrival window affords an 
importer sufficient time to file an entry summary within 10 working 
days from the time the first portion of the split shipment is released, 
given that a 10 working day period will always be longer than a 10 
calendar day period.
    Comment: A question is raised as to whether there is a limit to the 
number of portions into which a carrier may split a master shipment.
    Customs Response: There is no limit to the number of portions into 
which a carrier may split a shipment.
    Comment: The proposed requirement that all conveyances carrying a 
split shipment initially arrive at the same port of importation in the 
United States should be eliminated because routing merchandise from one 
United States port to another is a standard business practice exercised 
by carriers.
    Customs Response: Customs agrees. Accordingly, proposed Sec.  
141.57(b)(3) is revised in this final rule by eliminating the 
requirement that all portions of a split shipment arrive at the same 
port of importation in the United States. Instead, all portions of the 
split shipment must timely arrive at the same port of entry in the 
United States, as listed on the original bill of lading. Any portion of 
a split shipment that arrives at a different port must be transported 
in-bond to the port of destination where entry will be made; and such 
in-bond transportation to the port of destination must occur before the 
transported merchandise may be released by Customs. In conformance with 
this requirement, proposed Sec. Sec.  141.57(d)(1), (d)(2), (e), (i), 
(j)(1), and 142.21(g) are appropriately changed in this final rule.

Notice to Customs That Shipment Has Been Split--Proposed Sec.  
141.57(c)

    Comment: It is asked how the importer would know whether the 
carrier has informed Customs of a split shipment.
    Customs Response: Under Sec.  141.57(c), it is expressly the 
responsibility of the importer, not the carrier, to notify Customs that 
the importer's shipment has been split by the carrier. To this end, the 
adequacy of communication between the importer and the carrier is a 
private matter between those parties.
    Comment: Proposed Sec.  141.57(c) should be revised to simply 
require that the importer notify Customs of a split shipment prior to 
the filing of the entry summary, in recognition that the importer's 
knowledge of the circumstances may be limited or nonexistent.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. Section 141.57(c) requires 
that notification be given as soon as the importer becomes aware that 
the shipment has been split, but that in all cases such notification 
must be made before the entry summary is filed. This requirement is 
specifically designed to give an importer maximum flexibility in 
informing Customs of the intention to file a single entry for a split 
shipment, in recognition of the fact that an importer may learn of a 
split shipment at different times.
    Comment: Further details are requested concerning the form of the 
notification. It is asked whether an electronic message (e-mail) would 
be sufficient.
    Customs Response: Section 141.57(c) requires that such notification 
be given to Customs in writing. To this end, Customs would prefer that 
the notice be written on the front of Customs Form (CF) 3461 or that 
notice be submitted in the form of a letter if an electronic CF 3461 is 
filed. The letter could also be faxed to the applicable port.
    Customs is currently incapable of accepting e-mail at all ports. 
Provision for electronic notification will be made in the Automated 
Commercial Environment (ACE) system.
    Comment: Under the current systems for handling split shipments 
employed at Los Angeles International Airport and at John F. Kennedy 
Airport in New

[[Page 8717]]

York, the carrier is required to include each split portion on the 
manifest. Hence, it is asserted that the manifest should constitute the 
advance notification to Customs that the shipment has been split. If 
the importer does not file a separate entry for each arriving portion, 
it should be understood that the importer intends to file a single 
entry for the entire split shipment.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. The advance notice is a 
statutory requirement which lets Customs know that the importer has 
elected to file a single entry for all portions of the split shipment. 
Mere notification that the shipment has been split is not notification 
by the importer that a single entry will be filed for the shipment.

Entry or Permit for Immediate Delivery--Proposed Sec.  141.57(d)

    Comment: It appears that the immediate delivery procedures for a 
split shipment require that the merchandise in the shipment be 
delivered to the carrier in the foreign country under one invoice. 
However, it is a common business practice for a shipment to contain 
merchandise covered by multiple invoices. As long as the merchandise is 
tendered to the carrier at the same time, there should be no limitation 
on the number of invoices involved.
    Customs Response: Customs agrees. Provided the merchandise is 
delivered to the carrier as set forth in proposed Sec.  141.57(b)(1), 
there should be no limitation on the number of invoices involved. 
Paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of proposed Sec.  141.57 are amended 
accordingly in this final rule; and a conforming change to proposed 
Sec.  142.21(g) is made as well in this final rule.
    Comment: The release procedures in proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(1) and 
(d)(2) should allow for one Customs Form (CF) 3461 to be filed and 
applied against all portions of the shipment. Then, if any portion of 
the shipment still has not arrived within the prescribed 10 day period, 
such portion would be deducted from the invoice(s) used on the entry 
summary for the shipment, and that portion would then be entered 
separately. In the alternative, should Customs determine that adjusted 
CF 3461 copies are necessary, it is suggested that Customs allow the 
electronic filing of the adjusted CF 3461s.
    Customs Response: It is initially noted that under the release 
procedure in Sec.  141.57(d)(1), only one CF 3461 will need to be 
filed. By contrast, under the procedure in Sec.  141.57(d)(2) which 
provides for the separate release of each portion of a split shipment 
as it arrives, Customs finds that requiring an adjusted copy of the CF 
3461 to be submitted for each portion of the shipment is necessary in 
order to afford a mechanism by which the importer and Customs may 
easily and effectively keep track of the specific merchandise contained 
in any given portion of the shipment. However, Customs agrees that 
multiple CF 3461 copies are unnecessary when both the carrier and the 
importer are automated. In the case of such automation, adjustments may 
be made electronically to show the quantity of merchandise contained in 
each portion of the shipment as it arrives. Proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(2) 
is thus amended in this final rule to reflect that if both the carrier 
and the importer are automated, such adjustments may be made 
electronically through the Customs ACS (Automated Commercial System).
    Comment: Under the incremental release procedure in proposed Sec.  
141.57(d)(2), clarification is needed as to what is meant by the 
quantity of merchandise that must be reflected on the adjusted Customs 
Form (CF) 3461 that is submitted to Customs upon the arrival of each 
portion of a split shipment.
    Customs Response: The quantity means the number of pieces, boxes, 
cartons, and the like, which are contained in the particular portion of 
the split shipment as it arrives, relative to the total number 
delivered by the shipper to the foreign carrier. To minimize confusion 
in this regard, proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(2) is revised in this final 
rule to make clear that the adjusted quantity will reflect the quantity 
in that particular portion relative to the quantity contained in the 
entire shipment as delivered to and accepted by the carrier in the 
exporting country.
    Comment: It is contended that 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2) represents a 
statutory exception to the well established principle that entry may 
only be made after merchandise has been imported. As such, instead of 
the procedure in proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(2), which requires a special 
permit for immediate delivery for portions of a split shipment that are 
released incrementally following their arrival, Customs should allow 
the entire shipment to be entered at the time that the first portion of 
the shipment is imported.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. Section 1484(j)(2) is not an 
exception to the general rule that importation must precede entry. 
Rather, the law simply allows one shipment which is split by the 
carrier and which arrives in the United States at different times to be 
covered under one entry. Previously, each portion would have required a 
separate entry. Under section 1484(j)(2), however, importers of 
merchandise whose shipments have been split by the carrier may either 
continue to file a separate entry for each portion, or they may file a 
single entry for all of the portions which arrive within a prescribed 
period of time.
    Nevertheless, resort to the immediate delivery procedure of Sec.  
141.57(d)(2) is only necessary when the importer wishes to file one 
entry, but wants each portion to be released as it arrives. Under this 
immediate delivery procedure, since the time of entry occurs, not upon 
release, but upon the filing of the entry summary, Sec.  141.57(d)(2) 
ensures that all portions of the split shipment are imported prior to 
the entry being filed. Importers who want to file one entry but who 
object to using the immediate delivery procedure in Sec.  141.57(d)(2) 
may instead opt to use the procedure in Sec.  141.57(d)(1), under which 
one entry may be filed but release of the merchandise is delayed until 
all portions of the shipment have arrived.

Necessary Manifest Data to Secure Release of Shipment--Proposed Sec.  
141.57(e)

    Comment: Further elaboration is requested concerning the process by 
which a carrier would make adjustments to the quantity set forth in the 
manifest as necessary to secure the incremental release of the shipment 
under proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(2). It is specifically asked how such 
adjustments would be administered.
    Customs Response: Carriers are required under Sec.  141.57(e) to 
present manifest information to Customs which reflects exact 
information for each portion of a split shipment in order to qualify 
the split shipment for incremental release, pursuant to Sec.  
141.57(d)(2), as each portion of the shipment arrives. Carriers may 
accomplish the presentation of this adjusted manifest information 
either on a paper manifest or electronically if both the carrier and 
the importer are operational on the Customs Automated Commercial System 
(ACS), as noted above.

Filing of Entry Summary for Split Shipment--Proposed Sec.  141.57(g)

    Comment: Proposed Sec.  141.57(g)(2)(ii) contains a technical 
contradiction in requiring the entry summary to be filed no later than 
10 working days after the first cargo release, while in effect not

[[Page 8718]]

allowing summary filing before the arrival of the last portion of the 
split shipment which is to be included on the entry.
    Customs Response: There is no contradiction. Since all portions of 
the shipment must arrive within 10 calendar days of the portion that 
arrives first, and the entry summary must be filed under Sec.  
141.57(g)(2)(ii) within 10 working days from the date of first release 
of a portion of the shipment, there should be sufficient time for all 
portions of the split shipment to arrive before the entry summary is 
required to be filed. However, should any portions not arrive within 10 
calendar days of the portion that arrived first, such late-arriving 
portions would need to be separately entered, as prescribed in Sec.  
141.57(i).

Separate Entries Required--Proposed Sec.  141.57(i)

    Comment: Regarding portions of a shipment that do not arrive within 
the required 10 calendar day period, it was asked whether the consignee 
or agent would be responsible for paying full duty on the entire 
shipment before it is complete.
    Customs Response: The importer of record will only be responsible 
for paying duty based on the value and/or quantity of merchandise 
contained in those portions of the split shipment that arrive within 
the required 10 calendar day time frame and are thus included in the 
split-shipment entry. As such, when a portion of a split shipment does 
not arrive within the prescribed 10 calendar day period, that portion 
will not be included on the entry, and thus no duty will yet be due on 
that portion. Duty on any delayed portion will become due when the 
portion does arrive and a separate entry for that portion is filed.
    Comment: Merchandise classifiable under the same subheading of the 
Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) may 
nevertheless be subject to different rates of duty if the applicable 
rate already applied against one portion of a split shipment changes 
and the changed rate is thereafter assessed against a second portion. 
It is stated in particular that this problem could arise where a change 
in the duty rate occurs after any portion of the split shipment is 
accepted for transportation in-bond to the port of destination.
    Customs Response: Customs agrees. Under 19 CFR 141.69(b), the duty 
rate applied to merchandise in any portion of a split shipment that is 
transported in-bond to the port of destination would be the duty rate 
in effect for such merchandise when Customs accepts the in-bond 
transportation entry; merchandise in any other portion of the shipment, 
however, would thereafter generally be subject to the rate of duty in 
effect at the time of entry pursuant to 19 CFR 141.68(a)(1) or (c), as 
applicable. As a result, if merchandise classifiable under the same 
subheading of the HTSUS arrives in the United States at different times 
as part of a split shipment, a change in the rate of duty that occurs 
during this time with respect to such merchandise could result in two 
different rates of duty being assessed against the merchandise on the 
same split shipment entry.
    This would present an administrative/operational problem for 
Customs because current Customs systems are incapable of accepting 
different duty rates on one entry for merchandise that is classifiable 
under the same HTSUS subheading. Hence, a separate entry will be 
required for any portion of a split shipment in those rare instances 
where necessary to preclude the application of different rates of duty 
on a split shipment entry for merchandise that is identically 
classifiable under the HTSUS. Proposed Sec.  141.57(i) is changed in 
this final rule to add a provision to this effect.

Importer Review of Entry; Evidence of Split Shipment--Proposed Sec.  
141.57(j)

    Comment: Under proposed Sec.  141.57(j)(1), Customs should rely 
primarily upon carriers, rather than importers, to obtain timely and 
accurate split shipment information because it is the carriers' 
decision to split the shipments in the first place.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. While it is the case that 
shipments are split at the initiative of the carrier, it is the 
importer, not the carrier, who elects to file a single entry for all 
portions of a split shipment. Since the importer files the entry, it is 
properly the responsibility of the importer to ensure that the entry is 
correct and that it accurately reflects the actual amount, value, 
correct classification and rate of duty of the merchandise covered 
under the entry, as required in Sec.  141.57(j)(1).
    Comment: It is unnecessary to require in proposed Sec.  
141.57(j)(2) that the importer maintain sufficient documentary evidence 
to substantiate that the splitting of a shipment was done by the 
carrier acting on its own. Importers do not want their shipments to be 
split because this causes their shipments to be delayed.
    Customs Response: Customs disagrees. Under 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2), 
the use of the single entry procedure for separate portions of a split 
shipment is contingent upon the shipment having been split at the 
instruction of the carrier. The importer must therefore maintain 
suitable documentary evidence to substantiate that the shipment was 
split by the carrier on its own initiative.
    Comment: In proposed Sec.  141.57(j)(2), the requirement that an 
importer maintain a copy of the originating bill of lading or air 
waybill is essentially impossible as carriers by law do not make 
documents of this nature available to the importer due to the fact that 
such documents contain confidential freight rate information. An 
importer should not even be required to obtain a letter from the 
carrier as proof that the carrier split the shipment on its own 
initiative because carriers would generally not be timely in providing 
such letters. It is contended that the carrier should be the party 
responsible for keeping records of the shipments which they have chosen 
to split.
    Customs Response: It is again emphasized that since the importer is 
the party who elects to file a single entry covering multiple portions 
of a split shipment, it is properly the responsibility of the importer 
to substantiate its right to do so. However, Customs agrees that an 
importer who elects to file a single entry for a split shipment but who 
never receives a copy of the originating bill of lading or air waybill 
cannot be required to maintain or produce what he does not receive. 
However, Customs does need evidence that the splitting of the shipment 
was done at the carrier's initiative. Accordingly, proposed Sec.  
141.57(j)(2) is amended in this final rule to provide that the importer 
must keep a copy of the originating bill of lading or air waybill or, 
in the absence of such document, any other supporting documentary 
evidence, such as a letter, from the carrier confirming that the 
splitting of the shipment was done by the carrier on its own 
initiative. An importer will have to insist that a carrier provide the 
necessary documentary evidence.

Denial of Incremental Release; Quota; Other Goods--Proposed Sec.  
141.57(k)

    Comment: Proposed Sec.  141.57(k)(1) wrongly excludes merchandise 
subject to quota and/or visa requirements from the incremental release 
procedure in proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(2).
    Customs Response: Customs finds that quota and/or visa merchandise 
is of such a sensitive nature as to warrant its exclusion from the 
incremental release procedure of Sec.  141.57(d)(2). Nevertheless, by 
precluding the use of the incremental release procedure in

[[Page 8719]]

Sec.  141.57(d)(2), Customs is not preventing importers of merchandise 
subject to quota or visa requirements from availing themselves of the 
benefits of the law. Under the procedure in Sec.  141.57(d)(1), 
importers may still file a single entry under 19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2) for 
a shipment of quota/visa merchandise which has been split by the 
incoming carrier. The procedure in Sec.  141.57(d)(1) provides for the 
filing of a single entry after all portions of a split shipment have 
arrived. Under this procedure, the portions of the split shipment are 
not released incrementally, as each portion arrives, but are held until 
all portions have arrived and the single entry covering those portions 
has been filed.
    Comment: With respect to proposed Sec.  141.57(k)(2), a port 
director should not have the unfettered discretion to deny incremental 
release under proposed Sec.  141.57(d)(2) as circumstances warrant. 
Also, the port director should not have the discretion to deny 
incremental release for purposes of examination, as provided in 
proposed Sec.  141.57(f). In the alternative, an importer whose 
shipment is denied incremental release should be able to appeal such a 
denial.
    Customs Response: Customs believes that there may be circumstances 
under which the incremental release procedure is inappropriate and 
should not be allowed. In such circumstances, Customs has the authority 
to examine all of the merchandise included on an entry before allowing 
the release of any portion of the shipment.
    In addition, Customs does not believe that an appeals process for a 
denial of incremental release is practicable, for two reasons. First, 
most of the portions of a split shipment will have arrived before an 
appeals process could be completed. Second, importers who are denied 
the use of incremental release under Sec.  141.57(d)(2) for a 
particular split shipment are not deprived of the benefit conferred by 
the statute, that is, they may still file one entry for portions of a 
shipment which arrive separately in accordance with the release 
procedure set forth in Sec.  141.57(d)(1).

Additional Change

    In addition, proposed Sec.  141.57(e) is clarified in this final 
rule to provide that the carrier responsible for splitting a shipment 
must notify any other obligated entities (such as another carrier or a 
freight forwarder) that have submitted electronic manifest information 
to Customs about the shipment that was split so that these parties can 
update their manifest information to Customs.

Conclusion

    After careful consideration of the comments received and further 
review of the matter, Customs has concluded that the proposed 
amendments should be adopted with the modifications discussed above.

Regulatory Flexibility Act and Executive Order 12886

    This final rule implements the statutory law and engenders cost 
savings by reducing paperwork for importers, and by reducing the number 
of entries required for split shipments. As such, pursuant to the 
provisions of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), it 
is certified that this final rule will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small entities. Accordingly, it is 
not subject to the regulatory analysis or other requirements of 5 
U.S.C. 603 and 604. Nor do these final regulations result in a 
``significant regulatory action'' under E.O. 12866.

Paperwork Reduction Act

    The collections of information encompassed within this final rule 
have already been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 
U.S.C. 3507) and assigned OMB Control Numbers 1515-0065 (Requirement to 
make entry unless specifically exempt; Requirement to file entry 
summary form); 1515-0167 (Statement processing and Automated 
Clearinghouse); 1515-0214 (General recordkeeping and record production 
requirements); and 1515-0001 (Transportation manifest; cargo 
declaration). This rule does not make any material change to the 
existing approved information collections. An agency may not conduct, 
and a person is not required to respond to, a collection of information 
unless the collection of information displays a valid control number 
assigned by OMB.

List of Subjects

19 CFR Part 141

    Customs duties and inspection, Entry of merchandise, Release of 
merchandise, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

19 CFR Part 142

    Computer technology, Customs duties and inspection, Entry of 
merchandise, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

Amendments to the Regulations

    Parts 141 and 142, Customs Regulations (19 CFR parts 141 and 142), 
are amended as set forth below.

PART 141--ENTRY OF MERCHANDISE

    1. The general authority citation for part 141 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1448, 1484, 1624.
* * * * *

    2. Section 141.51 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  141.51  Quantity usually required to be in one entry.

    All merchandise arriving on one conveyance and consigned to one 
consignee must be included on one entry, except as provided in Sec.  
141.52. In addition, a shipment of merchandise that arrives by separate 
conveyances at the same port of entry in multiple portions, as a split 
shipment, may be processed under a single entry, as prescribed in Sec.  
141.57.

    3. Subpart D of part 141 is amended by adding a new Sec.  141.57 to 
read as follows:


Sec.  141.57  Single entry for split shipments.

    (a) At election of importer of record. At the election of the 
importer of record, Customs may process a split shipment, pursuant to 
section 484(j)(2), Tariff Act of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2)), under a 
single entry, as prescribed under the procedures set forth in this 
section.
    (b) Split shipment defined. A ``split shipment'', for purposes of 
this section, means a shipment:
    (1) Which may be accommodated on a single conveyance, and which is 
delivered to and accepted by a carrier in the exporting country under 
one bill of lading or waybill, and is thus intended by the importer of 
record to arrive in the United States as a single shipment;
    (2) Which is thereafter divided by the carrier, acting on its own, 
into different portions which are transported and consigned to the same 
party in the United States; and
    (3) Of which the first portion and all succeeding portions arrive 
at the same port of entry in the United States, as listed in the 
original bill of lading or waybill; and all the succeeding portions 
arrive at the port of entry within 10 calendar days of the date of the 
first portion. If any portion of the shipment arrives at a different 
port, such portion must be transported in-bond to the port of 
destination where entry of the shipment is made.
    (c) Notification by importer of record. The importer of record must 
notify Customs, in writing, that the shipment

[[Page 8720]]

has been split at the carrier's initiative, that the remainder of the 
shipment will arrive by subsequent conveyance(s), and that an election 
is being made to file a single entry for all portions. The required 
notification must be given as soon as the importer of record becomes 
aware that the shipment has been split, but in all cases notification 
must be made before the entry summary is filed.
    (d) Entry or special permit for immediate delivery. In order to 
make a single entry for a split shipment or obtain a special permit for 
the release of a split shipment under immediate delivery, an importer 
of record may follow the procedure prescribed in paragraph (d)(1) or 
(d)(2) of this section, as applicable.
    (1) Entry or special permit after arrival of entire shipment. An 
importer of record may file an entry at such time as all portions of 
the split shipment have arrived at the port of entry (see paragraph 
(b)(3) of this section). In the alternative, again after the arrival of 
all portions of a split shipment at the port of entry, the importer of 
record may instead file a special permit for immediate delivery 
provided that the merchandise is eligible for such a permit under Sec.  
142.21(a)--(f) and (h) of this chapter. In either case, the importer of 
record must file Customs Form (CF) 3461 or CF 3461 alternate (CF 3461 
ALT) as appropriate, or electronic equivalent, with Customs. The entry 
or special permit must indicate the total number of pieces in, as well 
as the total value of, the entire shipment as reflected on the 
invoice(s) covering the shipment.
    (2) Special permit prior to arrival of entire shipment. As provided 
in Sec.  142.21(g) of this chapter, an importer of record may also file 
a special permit for immediate delivery after the arrival of the first 
portion of a split shipment at the port of entry (see paragraph (b)(3) 
of this section), but before the arrival of the entire shipment at such 
port, thus qualifying the split shipment for incremental release, under 
paragraph (e) of this section, as each portion of the shipment arrives 
at the port of entry (see paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this section). In 
such case, a CF 3461 or CF 3461 ALT as appropriate, or electronic 
equivalent, must be filed with Customs. As each portion arrives at the 
port of entry, the importer of record must submit a copy of the CF 
3461/CF 3461 ALT, adjusted to reflect the quantity of that particular 
portion relative to the quantity contained in the entire split shipment 
(see paragraph (b)(1) of this section); however, if both the carrier 
and the importer of record are automated, such adjustments may instead 
be made electronically through the Customs ACS (Automated Commercial 
System). In the event that an entry has been pre-filed with Customs 
(see Sec.  142.2(b) of this chapter), notification to Customs by the 
importer of record that a single entry will be filed for shipments 
released incrementally will serve as a request that the pre-filed entry 
be converted to an application for a special permit for immediate 
delivery (see Sec.  142.21(g) of this chapter). The special permit must 
indicate the total number of pieces in, as well as the total value of, 
the entire shipment as reflected on the invoice(s) covering the 
shipment. Customs may limit the release of each portion of the split 
shipment upon arrival at the port of entry, as permitted under this 
paragraph, due to the need to examine the merchandise in accordance 
with paragraph (f) of this section.
    (e) Release. To secure the separate release upon arrival of each 
portion of a split shipment at the port of destination under paragraph 
(d)(2) of this section, the carrier responsible for initially splitting 
the shipment must present to Customs, either on a paper manifest or 
through an authorized electronic data interchange system, manifest 
information relating to the shipment that reflects exact information 
for each portion of the split shipment. The carrier responsible for 
splitting the shipment must notify other obligated entities (such as 
another carrier or freight forwarder) that have submitted electronic 
manifest information to Customs about the shipment that was split so 
that these parties can update their manifest information to Customs.
    (f) Examination. Customs may require examination of any or all 
parts of the split shipment. For split shipments subject to the 
immediate delivery procedure of paragraph (d)(2) of this section, 
Customs reserves the right to deny incremental release should such an 
examination of the merchandise be necessary. The denial of incremental 
release does not preclude the use of the procedures specified in 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
    (g) Entry summary.-- (1) Entry. For merchandise entered under 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section, the importer of record must file an 
entry summary within 10 working days from the time of entry.
    (2) Release for immediate delivery.-- (i) Release under paragraph 
(d)(1) of this section. For merchandise released under a special permit 
for immediate delivery pursuant to paragraph (d)(1) of this section, 
the importer of record must file the entry summary, which serves as 
both the entry and the entry summary, within 10 working days after the 
merchandise or any part of the merchandise is authorized for release 
under the special permit or, for quota class merchandise, within the 
quota period, whichever expires first (see Sec.  142.23 of this 
chapter).
    (ii) Release under paragraph (d)(2) of this section. For 
merchandise released under a special permit for immediate delivery 
pursuant to paragraph (d)(2) of this section, the importer of record 
must file the entry summary, which serves as both the entry and the 
entry summary, within 10 working days from the date of the first 
release of a portion of the split shipment. The filed entry summary 
must reflect all portions of the split shipment which have been 
released, to include quantity, value, correct classification and rate 
of duty. The entry summary cannot include any portions of the split 
shipment which have not been released.
    (3) Duty payment. With the entry summary filed under paragraphs 
(g)(1) and (g)(2)(i) and (g)(2)(ii) of this section, the importer of 
record must attach estimated duties, taxes and fees applicable to the 
released merchandise. If the entry summary is filed electronically, the 
estimated duties, taxes and fees must be scheduled for payment at such 
time pursuant to the Automated Clearinghouse (see Sec.  24.25 of this 
chapter).
    (h) Classification. For purposes of section 484(j)(2), Tariff Act 
of 1930 (19 U.S.C. 1484(j)(2)), the merchandise comprising the separate 
portions of a split shipment included on one entry will be classified 
as though imported together.
    (i) Separate entry required.-- (1) Untimely arrival. The importer 
of record must enter separately those portions of a split shipment that 
do not arrive at the port of entry within 10 calendar days of the 
portion that arrived there first (see paragraph (b)(3) of this 
section).
    (2) Different rates of duty for identically classified merchandise. 
An importer of record will be required to file a separate entry for any 
portion of a split shipment if necessary to preclude the application of 
different rates of duty on a split shipment entry for merchandise that 
is classifiable under the same subheading of the Harmonized Tariff 
Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).
    (j) Requirement of importer of record to review entry and maintain 
evidence substantiating splitting of shipment.-- (1) Review of entry. 
The importer of record will be responsible for reviewing the total 
manifested quantity shown on the CF 3461/CF 3461 ALT, or electronic 
equivalent, in relation to all portions of the split shipment that 
arrived at the

[[Page 8721]]

port of entry under paragraph (b)(3) of this section within the 
specified 10 calendar day period. At the conclusion of the specified 10 
calendar day period, the importer of record must make any adjustments 
necessary to reflect the actual amount, value, correct classification 
and rate of duty of the merchandise that was released incrementally 
under the split shipment procedures. If all portions of the split 
shipment do not arrive within the required 10 calendar day period, the 
importer of record must file an additional entry or entries as 
appropriate to cover any remaining portions of the split shipment that 
subsequently arrive (see paragraph (i)(1) of this section).
    (2) Evidence for splitting of shipment; recordkeeping. The importer 
of record must maintain sufficient documentary evidence to substantiate 
that the splitting of the shipment was done by the carrier acting on 
its own, and not at the request of the foreign shipper and/or the 
importer of record. This documentation should include a copy of the 
originating bill of lading or waybill under which the shipment was 
delivered to the carrier in the country of exportation or other 
supporting documentary evidence, such as a letter from the carrier 
confirming that the splitting of the shipment was done by the carrier 
on its own initiative. This documentary evidence as well as all other 
necessary records received or generated by or on behalf of the importer 
of record under this section must be maintained and produced, if 
requested, in accordance with part 163 of this chapter.
    (k) Single entry limited; exclusions from single entry under 
incremental release procedure.
    (1) Quota/visa merchandise. Merchandise subject to quota and/or 
visa requirements is excluded from incremental release under the 
immediate delivery procedure set forth in paragraph (d)(2) of this 
section and Sec.  142.21(g) of this chapter. Additionally, if by 
splitting a shipment any portion of it is subject to quota, no portion 
of the split shipment may be released incrementally.
    (2) Other merchandise. In addition, the port director may deny the 
use of the incremental release procedure set forth in paragraph (d)(2) 
of this section and Sec.  142.21(g) of this chapter, as circumstances 
warrant.
    (3) Limited single entry available. For merchandise described in 
paragraphs (k)(1) and (k)(2) of this section, that is excluded from the 
immediate delivery procedure of paragraph (d)(2) of this section and 
Sec.  142.21(g) of this chapter, the importer of record may still file 
a single entry or special permit for immediate delivery under paragraph 
(d)(1) of this section covering the entire split shipment of such 
merchandise following, and to the extent of, its arrival within the 
required 10 calendar day period.

PART 142--ENTRY PROCESS

    1. The authority citation for part 142 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 19 U.S.C. 66, 1448, 1484, 1624.

    2. Section 142.21 is amended as follows:
    a. By removing the second sentence in paragraph (e)(1) and adding 
in its place two new sentences;
    b. By removing the second sentence in paragraph (e)(2) and adding 
in its place two new sentences;
    c. By redesignating paragraph (g) as paragraph (h) and adding a new 
paragraph (g); and
    d. By revising newly redesignated paragraph (h).
    The additions and revision read as follows:


Sec.  142. 21  Merchandise eligible for special permit for immediate 
delivery.

* * * * *
    (e) Quota-class merchandise. (1) Tariff rate. * * * However, 
merchandise subject to a tariff-rate quota may not be incrementally 
released under a special permit for immediate delivery as provided in 
paragraph (g) of this section. Where a special permit is authorized, an 
entry summary will be properly presented pursuant to Sec.  132.1 of 
this chapter within the time specified in Sec.  142.23, or within the 
quota period, whichever expires first. * * *
    (2) Absolute. * * * However, merchandise subject to an absolute 
quota under this paragraph may not be incrementally released under a 
special permit for immediate delivery as provided in paragraph (g) of 
this section. Where a special permit is authorized, a proper entry 
summary must be presented for merchandise so released within the time 
specified in Sec.  142.23, or within the quota period, whichever 
expires first. * * *
* * * * *
    (g) Incremental release of split shipments. Merchandise subject to 
Sec.  141.57(d)(2) of this chapter, which is purchased and delivered to 
the carrier as a single shipment, but which is shipped by the carrier 
in separate portions to the same port of entry as provided in Sec.  
141.57(b)(3), may be released incrementally under a special permit. 
Incremental release means releasing each portion of such shipments 
separately as they arrive.
    (h) When authorized by Headquarters. Headquarters may authorize the 
release of merchandise under the immediate delivery procedure in 
circumstances other than those described in paragraphs (a), (b), (c), 
(d), (e), (f) and (g) of this section provided a bond on Customs Form 
301 containing the bond conditions set forth in Sec.  113.62 of this 
chapter is on file.

    3. Section 142.22 is amended by removing the first sentence of 
paragraph (a) and adding in its place two sentences to read as follows:


Sec.  142.22  Application for special permit for immediate delivery.

    (a) Form. An application for a special permit for immediate 
delivery will be made on Customs Form 3461, Form 3461 ALT, or its 
electronic equivalent, supported by the documentation provided for in 
Sec.  142.3. A commercial invoice will not be required, except for 
merchandise released under the provisions of 19 U.S.C. 1484(j). * * *
* * * * *

Robert C. Bonner,
Commissioner of Customs.
    Approved: February 19, 2003.
Timothy E. Skud,
Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Treasury.
[FR Doc. 03-4318 Filed 2-24-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4820-02-P